By Rahul Banerji
Pune’s Pravin Pathare shot a 2-under 70 to take the clubhouse lead on day one in Pre Qualifying III of the Tata Steel PGTI Qualifying School 2022 at the Kalhaar course in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Amol Waghmare, another Pune-based professional and amateur Anish Nangia of Delhi were tied for second on 71 on a windy day, the PGTI said.
Six players out of 96 could not finish their opening rounds due to fading light.
They will complete their rounds on Saturday morning before play gets underway in round two in the last Pre Qualifying event.
Pathare, who plied his trade on the PGA of Czech Republic last year where he also won an event, began with a bogey.
Bouncing back
He soon bounced back with three birdies over the next 10 holes landing his tee shots within five feet on the second and 11th holes, both par-3s.
Pathare then added two more birdies from long-range on 15 and 17 but also dropped three-putt bogeys on 13 and 16 to end with a 70.
Pathare, who finished 11th on the PGA of Czech Republic’s Order of Merit last year, said, “I recovered really well after a slow start.
“I’m carrying the confidence from my win in the Czech Republic last year.
“My experience playing in those conditions last year came handy today as it helped me negotiate the extremely windy conditions in Ahmedabad.”
From the field of 96, the top 26 players (plus ties) will qualify for the Final Qualifying Stage, also at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club.
Also read: Mansukh Sandhu tops Pre Qualifying II as 22 enter Final Stage
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